Bruce: They trade up for you - you were obviously a coveted player. Where were you when you got the call?

Reid: I was sitting with my family. My daughter (Leilani, 3) was running around, keeping us all excited, because it's tough just waiting there for a couple hours. But at the end of the day, I'm so blessed - I just can't wait to get to California.

Woodson: Eric, can you talk about stepping in here and at least partially filling Dashon Goldson's shoes?

Reid: They lost a great safety, but I think they're getting a pretty good player as well. I'm a rookie, so I'm going to come in and learn from the veteran guys on that defense who have been there and know what it takes to get to the Super Bowl. I'm going to get out there, work hard, pull my weight and impact the team in a positive way.

Krueger: I'd be remiss if I didn't ask you about your huge blowup hit on (Alabama's) Trent Richardson a couple years ago - any SEC fan remembers that, it was one of the hits of the year.

Reid: Yeah, I was in the game, the adrenaline was flowing and I hit him pretty hard. I'm happy to say that I was the only person to force a fumble against him that year, I think. I definitely remember that game. It was definitely a big mark for my career.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Eric Reid of the LSU Tigers arrives on the red carpet for the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Eric Reid of the LSU Tigers arrives on the red carpet for the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty

Eric Reid says he gained good experience at both safety positions while at LSU.

Eric Reid says he gained good experience at both safety positions while at LSU.

Photo: Jeff Chiu, Associated Press

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LSU safety eager to contribute to 49ers

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Bruce: What's going on down there at LSU that your program is producing so many great cornerbacks and safeties? What is it about Les Miles or the LSU program that prepares and develops such good members of secondaries?

Reid: It's so many things. It's a credit to Coach Miles and Coach (John) Chavis, and the guys on the team - because older guys who go to the league always come back, and always give back to young guys and tell them what it takes to make it to the next level. We're all family, and there's a reason that we say, "Forever LSU," because we never leave. I'm going to be in California, but I'll always be in Louisiana.

Bruce: What number do you plan on wearing?

Reid: I can't wear No. 1 because of the rules. ... There are a lot of veteran guys on that team, so I guess I'll wear whatever they leave me.

Bruce: How often were you able to watch the 49ers last year? Obviously, you saw them come up a little short in the Super Bowl, but did you get to watch much of the regular season? Did you follow the change from Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick in the middle of the season?

Reid: Yeah, I did see that. It was crazy, but they made the right decision, and it got them to the Super Bowl. I paid close attention to that defense - very close attention. I was like, "Man, that's an incredible defense. It would be awesome to be a part of it." And look - here I am, and I just can't wait.

Krueger: How would you compare your play at the two safety spots?

Reid: I think I'm a very versatile player, that's how I was at LSU. Our safeties are interchangeable, so one play I might be in the slot, one play I might be in the post, one play I might be covering a tight end or a slot receiver. ... So I think it's something that I'm very capable of doing, and I look forward to doing that.

Woodson: Would you be ready to have some fun on special teams as well?

Reid: Oh yeah, definitely. I played a ton of special teams at LSU. I'm familiar with it, I'm comfortable doing it. ... Hey, just get me on the field.

Bruce: You're being paired with a guy who officially lays lumber in the NFL - Donte Whitner. He's going to be lining up next to you an awful lot, and hopefully the two of you click right away. Will you be bringing him to lunch on your first day on campus?

Reid: Probably so. You know how it goes being a rookie, I've heard the stories. But at the same time, I'm looking to learn from him. He's a guy who plays my position, so I'm going to try to absorb as much knowledge from him as I can.